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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.