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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.