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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.