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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.