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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

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

"However the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.