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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.