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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

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

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.