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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.