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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.