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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.