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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.