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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered 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 make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.