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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.