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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.