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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

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

Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.