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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

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

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.