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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.