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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation 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 Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.