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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.