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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.