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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

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

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

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

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.