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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.