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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.