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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.