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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.