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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.