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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.