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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.