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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.