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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.