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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.