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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.