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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.