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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing 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 midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.