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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five storm as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.