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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

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

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.