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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.