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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.