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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.