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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.