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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.