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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

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

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.