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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.