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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.