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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.