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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.