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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

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

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

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

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

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.