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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

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

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.