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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.