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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.