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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.