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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.