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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

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

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

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

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.