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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.