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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.