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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.