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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.