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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.