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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.