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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

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

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.