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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Weather Background

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.