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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.