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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.