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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.