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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.