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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.