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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.