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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.