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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.