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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.