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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

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

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.