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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.