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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.