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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.