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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

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

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.