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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching 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 hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.