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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.