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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.