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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.