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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had 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, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know 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 address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.