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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.