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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

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

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.