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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.