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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.