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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.