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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

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

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.