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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.