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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.