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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.