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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.