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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.