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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

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

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.