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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

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

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

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.