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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.