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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.