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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.