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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities 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 Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.