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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.