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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.