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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.