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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

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

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.