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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.