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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.