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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

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

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.