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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.