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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.