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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.