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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

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

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.