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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.