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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

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

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.