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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.