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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.