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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.