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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.