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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.