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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.