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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded 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 make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 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 category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.