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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.