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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

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

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.