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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions 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 midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.