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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.