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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.