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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa 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 point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.