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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.