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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.