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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of 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 midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.