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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.