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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.