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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Climate Background

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.