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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.