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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

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

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

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

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.