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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.