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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

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

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.