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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.