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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.