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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.