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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.