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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

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

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.