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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.