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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.