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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.