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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.