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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.