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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.