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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

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

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.