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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.