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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.