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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.