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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.