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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.