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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.