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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.