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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, 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 hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists 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 strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.