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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

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

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.