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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.