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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone 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 most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, 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 already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.