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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

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

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

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

Climate Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.