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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.