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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

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

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.