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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.