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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.