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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional 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 Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.