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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

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

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.