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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

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

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.