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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.