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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

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

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.