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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.