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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.