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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

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

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.