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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

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

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.