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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.