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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

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

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.