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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.