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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.