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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.