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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.