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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.