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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

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

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.