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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

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

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.