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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.