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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

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

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.