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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.