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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

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

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.