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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.