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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.