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

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.