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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.