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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.