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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.