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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

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

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.