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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.