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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.