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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.