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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.