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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.