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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

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

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.