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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

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 "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.