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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.