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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, 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 make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.