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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.