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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.