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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.