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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.