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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.