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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

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

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.