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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

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

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.