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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.