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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.