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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.