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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.