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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.