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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.