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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.