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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.