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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.