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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

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

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.