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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores 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.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.