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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.