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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.