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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.