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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.