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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.