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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

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

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.