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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.