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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.