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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.