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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.