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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.