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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, 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 hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.