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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

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

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.