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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.