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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities 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 nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.