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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

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

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.