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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.