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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.