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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.