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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Context

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.