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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Storm Danger

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

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

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

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.