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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.