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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a rare category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.