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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered 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, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.