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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists 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 strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected 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 time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.