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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.