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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.