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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.