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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.