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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

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

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.