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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.