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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.