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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane 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 hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

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

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.