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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.