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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

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

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.