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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.