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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.