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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.