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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.