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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.