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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, 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 expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.