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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities 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 hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

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

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.