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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

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

While this storm is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.