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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

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

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.