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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.