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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.