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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.