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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.