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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.