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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

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

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.