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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.