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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered 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 reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.