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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.