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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.