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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

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

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.