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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.