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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.