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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

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

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

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

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.