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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.