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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.