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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.