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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists 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 nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.