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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

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

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.