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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader 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 anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.