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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.