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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane 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 cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.