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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

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

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.