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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.