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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.