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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

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

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.