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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.