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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

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

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.