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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.