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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

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

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.