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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.