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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds 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, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.