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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.