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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.