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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.