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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.