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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

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

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.