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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Background

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.