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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.