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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.