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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

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

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.