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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.