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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.