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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.