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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.