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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

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

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.