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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.