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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.