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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.