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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.