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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

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

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.