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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.