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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

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

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.