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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

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

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.