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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.