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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered 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 projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

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

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.