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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

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

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.