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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.