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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

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

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.