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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.