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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.