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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

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

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.