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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.