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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

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

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.