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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.