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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.