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

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

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

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

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

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.