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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.