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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

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

While this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.