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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

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

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.