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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

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

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.