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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.