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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.