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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

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

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

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.