Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Moves Towards the Island Nation

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.