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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.