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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.