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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.