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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

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

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

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

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.