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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

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

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.