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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.