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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.