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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.