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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

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

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.