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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.