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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.