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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

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