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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

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

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.