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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

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

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

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

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.