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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at 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 strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.