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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.