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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.