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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.