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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

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

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.