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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.