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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.