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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Background

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.