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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

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

Weather Connection

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.