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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

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

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.