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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.