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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities 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 impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Context

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.