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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.