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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.