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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.