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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

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

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.