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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before 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 heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.