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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.