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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.