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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.