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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

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

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.