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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

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

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.