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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.