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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.