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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists 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 strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.