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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

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

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.