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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

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

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.