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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.