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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.