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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

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

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

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

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.