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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.