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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.