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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

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

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.