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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.