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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.