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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.