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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.