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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

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

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

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

Weather Context

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.