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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

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

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.