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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.