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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at 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 hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.