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

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.