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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.