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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing 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 northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.