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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.