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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.