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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.