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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.