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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

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

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.