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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

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

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.