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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.