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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.