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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by 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 typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.