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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.