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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.