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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

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

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.