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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.