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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in 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 currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.