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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

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

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.