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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected 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 landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.