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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.