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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.