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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching 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 impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.