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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

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

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.