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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

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

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.