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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.