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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

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

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.