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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.