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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.