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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

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

"However the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

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

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.