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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.