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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.