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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.