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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.