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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

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

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

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

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.