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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.