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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.