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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.