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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.