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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.