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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing 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 north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.