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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare category five storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

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 region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.