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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.