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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

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

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.