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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.