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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.