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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

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

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.