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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.