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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists 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 strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.