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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.