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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.