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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.