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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.