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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.