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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.