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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.