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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.