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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

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

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

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.