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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.