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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.