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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.