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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.