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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.