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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

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 region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

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

Wider Effects

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

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.