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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.