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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

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

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.