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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.