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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state 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," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.