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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.