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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.