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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.