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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.