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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand 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 nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.