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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.