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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five hurricane 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 fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.