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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.