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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

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

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.