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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

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

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.