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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.