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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.