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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.