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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.