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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.