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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

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

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.