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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour 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, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.