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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

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

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.