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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

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

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.