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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

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

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.