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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.