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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.