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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.