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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.