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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.