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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.