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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.