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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, authorities 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 island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.