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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.