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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.