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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.