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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.