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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 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 produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Danger

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

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.