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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.