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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

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

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

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

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

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.