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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had 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, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.