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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.