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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts 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 nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.