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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.