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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.