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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.