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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.