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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

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

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.