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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.