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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

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

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.