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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.