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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.