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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.