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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.