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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.