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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent category five storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.