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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.