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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

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

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.