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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.